Shadow of the Ninja, known as Yami no Shigotonin Kage (闇の仕事人 KAGE, lit. "Assassin KAGE") in Japan.

Released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Shadow of the Ninja is a fast-paced, action-packed side-scroller that perfectly embodies the spirit of ninja action. Forget your leisurely platforming – this game throws you headfirst into a constant barrage of enemies, deadly traps, and challenging boss battles.

You and a friend (or if you're a solo ninja, just you!) take on the roles of Hayate (Wind) and Kaede (Maple), two incredibly skilled ninjas tasked with overthrowing the evil warlord, Emperor Garuda. He's terrorizing a future version of New York City in the year 2029 (a future that thankfully didn't involve robotic soldiers and evil emperors).

Expect to use your ninjutsu skills, like lightning-fast sword slashes, clinging to walls, and unleashing powerful special attacks, to navigate treacherous levels filled with enemy soldiers, cyborgs, and all sorts of futuristic weaponry.